Sometimes you need to stop and smell the flowers

http://Sometimes you need to stop and smell the flowers

I’ve been dressed in this outfit for several days now, but was struggling for inspiration as to how to shoot her.  More and more of Flickr seems to be full of (A) women just wanting to flaunt their tits or (B) bloggers just standing in front of a background that has absolutely no connection to what they’re blogging.   I’ve always been drawn more to pix that tell a story, that set a scene, that just “do more.”  Yes, I do plenty of what I consider “throw away shots”, when I just want to get it done; sometimes those actually come out way better than I expected, sometimes they don’t.   I needed inspiration, and was floundering…  Then I saw that Frogmore has reopened its doors, and I just couldn’t resist dashing over to stroll through its latest iteration, hoping that the creativity was somehow contagious.  I honestly didn’t make it that far before I came across this little flower shop… and bam!! there was my spark!  I could envision the smells from all the blooms, and yes, even though daisies have no scent, their pure simplicity resolved my overthinking the shot (something I am definitely prone to!)  I know I’ll be back soon to wander and explore and be inspired by the rest of this amazing creation!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Landry Blouse Dress.   Landry is one of those styles that I think will look awesome on virtually ANY body shape.  She features an artfully unbuttoned blouse top with a subtly patterned skirt & a wide cinch belt at the waist.  Available in 8 complete sets (Belted Dress, Panties, Heels) or in a HUD-driven Fatback that includes 12 textures (Dress, Belt, Panties, Heels), all of which are 100% Original.  Landry is sized for Legacy, Maitreya, Reborn, GenX Classic+Curvy, & Kupra, & was EXCLUSIVELY at the Beauty Event, but I’m running late (surprise, surprise) so she’s now at the mainstore.  See the ad below for details. Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  WINGSDG – EF0208
  • Eyes:  euphoric – Hae
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Makeup:  Sequoia – Anabella ES
  • Nails:  Maktub Store – Iris
  • Jewelry:  Earthstones – Inlaid Harmony Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Hazeel – Cute Daisy (modified w/ bouquet)
  • Location:  Frogmore

Feeling like myself again…

http://Feeling like myself again...

OK, well once the excitement of the “new me” (new head, new body, new skin) wore off, I realized that it really didn’t feel like ME.  I’ve changed looks, heads and bodies so many times in my 16+ years in SL that I’ve lost track, but when I watch a slideshow of my life (yes, there’s one running all the time on my porch lol) it just seems like a natural progression, of a maturing look.  This last look veered off into territory that I THOUGHT I wanted, but when it came right down to it, I just didn’t sit right. So, I mark it as a failed experiment, and have gone back to my “old” well-loved head but with a few tweaks to capture a bit of what attracted me to the new one… will they last, only time will tell.  The body, on the other hand, I’m keeping (though my lack of shoes is both annoying and getting expensive lol), but again with modifications… I was never a “skinny mini” but I’m not comfortable being as full-blown as my first “final shape” was either.  There’s definitely an art to sculpting the “right look”, with “right” being defined by what strikes that inner chord and makes you feel amazing.  And of course as a blogger, I’m constantly tweaking that shape to better show an outfit or to use a pose (arms and hands are constant issues lol)… it should only be so easy in real life lol!  So, the newly re-improved Ceja is finally done (again), and can relax and enjoy that cup of coffee… and then maybe do some shopping? Till the next time!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Brooke Denim Leggings Outfit.   Another relaxed, casually sexy outfit, Brooke features a cropped long-sleeved two-toned mock turtle over high-waisted denim leggings with a full front zip & matching snap-down placket.  Available in 8 complete sets (Sweater, Leggings, Flats) or in a HUD-driven Fatback that includes 12 options + 6 metals for full mix ‘ match, all 100% Original Textures.  Brooke is sized for Legacy, Maitreya+Petite, Reborn, GenX Classic+Curvy, Erika & Kupra, & is EXCLUSIVELY at POSH Event, open through Jan 17th  (& then at the mainstore).  See the ad below for details. Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Truth – Smitten (VIP Gift)
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Temizi – Artemis
  • Jewelry:  IT! Indulge Temptation – Amaze Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Backdrop w Pose:  Idona’s – Outdoor Coffee Bar
  • Dog:  Foxwood – Sweet Goldie

At the station…

http://At the station

And now we are on the build-up to a new year, creating a madness of its own.  For many who traveled for Christmas, now there’s the issue of traveling home… me, I stay put… after the traveling fiasco last year, I am done.  For me, it’s no way to spend a birthday, no way to spend a holiday.  I much prefer to stay home and join with family and friends via Facetime, but then I’m old and crotchety lol…  Now the mad scramble to get everything done before the year flips over, taking advantage of all those end-of-year sales… Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Dani Festive & Knit Dress Outfit.   Relaxed & casually sexy, Dani is what I’ll call a “semi-open button up” lowcut short knit with a contrast border & matching knit boots, in a festive pattern or solid knit.  So totally my style, & I’ll be nice & comfortable while still looking incredibly fetching lol! Available in 10 complete sets (Festive or Knit Dress, Panties, Boots) or in a HUD-driven Fatback that includes 12 options, all 100% Original Textures.  Lori is sized for Legacy, Maitreya, Reborn, GenX Curvy, & Kupra, & is EXCLUSIVELY at Beauty Event, open through Jan 5th  (& then at the mainstore).  See the ad below for details. Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Raven Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Grasp
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1; Sequoia – Madalina Eyeshadow; Guapa – MIA Eyeshadows; theMARS – Night Party Gloss Lip
  • Nails:  Miumiu – #28
  • Jewelry:  Earthstones – Chianna Jewelry Set in Burning Embers;  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Canape – Fillmoore Luggage w/ Tote
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy Tavis – Pacific Central Station

Staring into the Fire

http://Staring into the Fire

Flames can be mesmerizing.  Whenever I sit by a fire (which is sadly not all that often), I find myself staring into the flames… looking for answers, daydreaming, planning, running scenarios… somehow I find the flames to be very conducive to free-flowing thought, of whatever type it might be.  In some ways, it’s a similar effect to watching the ocean, with its ebb & flow & waves…  I’m sure someone somewhere has said something profound about the sights & sounds of nature enhancing natural thought, but for me, it’s enough to know that there’s comfort in watching the flames (safely, of course)! Now, toasting marshmallows in those flames is of course just an added bonus! Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Lori Cargo Pants Outfit.   Comfy & stylish, Lori pairs a sexy cut-out long-sleeved crop with loose-fitting cargos & sneakers. Available in 8 complete sets (Shirt, Cargo Pants, Pants, Sneakers + Metals) or in a HUD-driven Fatback that includes 12 options, all 100% Original Textures.  Lori is sized for Legacy+Perky, Maitreya+Petite, Reborn+Waifus, & is EXCLUSIVELY at UniK, open Dec 7th through Jan 2nd  (& then at the mainstore).  See the ad below for details. Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Raven Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Smitten (new VIP Gift)
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles; DeeTaleZ – Makeup & Addon, Moles Pack
  • Makeup:  Hype – Something Eyeshadow
  • Jewelry:  Cae – Estrela Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Nails:  EventyraSilent Night Suede
  • Location:  Blue Finch Frosty Hollow

And so, the season begins…

http://And so, the season begins...

It’s a new season, a new month, and a new me (more about the new me in another post)!  I probably say it every year, but the season seems to have come on exceptionally fast this year.  I’m feeling rather overwhelmed, as I guess I do every year, because on top of the holidays and all THAT entails, we also have almost everyone’s birthday this month.  I’m actually in a relatively decent place when it comes to gifts, but still scrambling for ideas for a few of the more “difficult” people to shop for.  Here on the grid, my land has gone to winter, so I’ve pulled out all the autumnal landscaping and decor and am busy working on the pre-holiday stage of winter (yes, there are TWO stages of winter decor… pre-Christmas and then just plain winter lol).  So much fun, so much shopping, not a lot of stress except for timing and deadlines, but that’s a blogger’s life! Speaking of which, time to go hit the sales and the newly opened December events!!!! Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Tina Sweater Outfit.   Warm & stylish for the chillier temps! Available in 8 complete sets (Sweater, Leggings, Shoes) or in a HUD-driven Fatback that includes 12 options, all 100% Original Textures.  Samantha is sized for GenX Classic+Curvy, Kupra, Legacy, Maitreya, Reborn+Waifus, & is EXCLUSIVELY at POSH Event, open Dec 1st – 17th  (& then at the mainstore).  See the ad below for details. Demo available.
  • Setting:  Dreamland Designs – There’s a roomful of Christmas items at reduced prices for this weekend’s Secret Sale, Dec 2nd – 4th.  I’ve included a few, but there are many more too (see the ads below for details):
    • Santa’s Antique Desk Set – includes a fully decorated desk (hot chocolate tray, assorted gift boxes, & Christmas cards), a hanging wreath with twinkling lights, a big desk chair fit for Santa, a rug, plus an adorable puppy in Santa’s sack.  The chair is filled with single & couple bento animations (your choice of adult or PG).
    • Country Cabin Christmas Ladder – includes wreath & light string
    • Red Christmas Tree – fully decorated tree, including sparkle lights, a glowing star on top, & a red rug with snowflake border
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Raven Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Blight
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Makeup:  Warpaint – Romancer Eyeshadow
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Nails:  Dalila – Gyda
  • Jewelry:  Eclectica – Baroque Earrings
  • Pose:  Sweet Art – Oriana Bento Poses

 

They said the party would be hot, but this is NOT what I expected

http://They said the party would be hot, but this is NOT what I expected

Three weeks till Halloween and the season seems to be in full swing.  I have rather mixed feelings about it all… I do have a fantasy-playing alt who fits right in without costume change, and I definitely love dressing up as a sexy spook of some sort or another without crossing over into what I consider “fantasy role-playing”.  It’s the dark side that bothers me… some of it is fun, for sure, but others just go too far for me.  It stops being fun and becomes uncomfortable or even revolting, and that is (to say the least) rather off-putting.  That said, it’s easy enough to avoid and ignore those things inworld… not so much in the real world where there’s true horror occurring  every day, without the fantasy element.  But then that’s what SL is all about, isn’t it?  Avoiding those things in RL that we would prefer to forget about for just a little while while we enjoy those things that we do.  And on that note, I’m taking my sexy witch look out to do some shopping and exploring of all these Halloween themed sims and hunts and events…  happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Samantha Gothic Witch.   You can be “be-witching” in this sexy little strapless striped mini-shift.  With black roses at the hip + optional black roses at the chest, thigh-high matching boots, matching panties, & a black witch hat with a matching ribbon, you’ll be ready to cast your spell!  Available in 10 complete sets (Dress, Boots, Panties, Hat Ribbon) or in a HUD-driven Fatback that includes 12 options, all 100% Original Textures.  Samantha is sized for Legacy + Perky, GenX Classic + Curvy, Maitreya, Khara, Kupra, Reborn + Waifus, & is EXCLUSIVELY at POSH Event, open Oct 1st – 17th  (& then at the mainstore).  See the ad below for details. Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Sorbet
  • Hair:  EMO-tions (now MIRJA)– Ruth
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  SAXO – Witch Face Contour & Unisex Hand Fades; [theSkinnery]  Cat Eyeliner;  CAZIMI – Opal Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Rise Design – Hallstat Necklace & Earrings
  • Tattoo:  Juna – Syssy
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Jisoo
  • Dog:  JIAN – Sugar Skull Pup
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy Tavis – Underworld

The Warmth of Autumn

http://Relishing the Warmth of Autumn

I may now live in FL where seasonal changes are limited to “summer” and “not summer”, with occasional flashes of late fall/early winter, but I just spent a week on the Rhode Island coast and in case I didn’t remember, RI made sure to serve up a combination of autumn warmth plus those chilling windy autumn rains.  On my return, I was REALLY able to appreciate not just the beauty but also the warming style of this jeans outfit.  I’m late in doing this so I won’t waste time here with lots of prattle about my life… go shop, now! And enjoy! Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Emily Jeans Outfit. Complete sets are available in 10 complete sets (Top, Jeans, Belt) or in a HUD-driven Fatback that includes 12 options, all 100% Original Textures.  Emily is sized for Legacy + Perky, Maitreya, Reborn + Juicy, & is EXCLUSIVELY at Sense Event, open through TODAY Sept 28th (& then at the mainstore).  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Sorbet
  • Hair:  Exile – Peyton
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles; DeeTaleZ – Makeup & Addon, Moles Pack
  • Makeup:  Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1;  Sequoia – Madalina BOM ES; Velour – LAYLA Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Angel Arrow Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Log w/ Sits:  CIRCA – Moonlight Fallen Log

Sounds of Summer

http://Sounds of Summer

No matter where you live, summer has its own sounds.  Back when I had little kids, it was a totally different soundtrack, one of screaming and laughing and running feet and slamming doors and a constant “Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom”… down here, it’s much more of an environmental sound track.  The birds are more plentiful and more vocal… and these are prehistoric type birds, so they’re huge and so are their voices.  We live on a good-size pond, so in addition to the bird life, we also have giant splashes from turtles, which are especially noticeable after dark.  It can get a little spooky hearing movement and kerplops and strange calls in the pitch black outside of our lanai.  I’m a huge night owl (but my husband is not); I’m often right here, on the computer in those ultra late-night hours, but when I’m not, I’m often out there on the lanai reading a book, and at some point that nighttime soundtrack emanating from the blackness makes my hackles rise and I get too nervous to stay out there alone.  Last night a palmetto bug suddenly dropped next to me when I was working on this post (driven inside by all the rain, no doubt) and disappeared behind my giant bulleting board hanging next to me. I freaked (but quietly); I was afraid to take down the bulletin board by myself… I had visions of a nest of swarming palmetto (similar to the bats we had behind an outside shutter in NY), jumping on me while I screamed and my husband slept through it all. An X-files episode in the making, with me the subject! Needless to say, the post got pushed to be worked on once I was able to take down the board in the daylight with hubby helping… And it took me hours to fall asleep, every little sound was them massing.  Shudders…  the stuff of nightmares.  I much prefer the sounds of the birds as they announce their arrival or protect their nest…  Well, I’m running late, lots to do, lots to do!  Happy weekend!!!!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Inga Dress.  Big bold tropical dress with a plunge front with just the right amount of draping, thigh splits & a bare back… plus kick-ass heels (not shown) & a matching C-string, all in a big bold tropical print… now that’s perfect for summer!  Complete sets are available in 10 individual colors or in a HUD-driven Fatback that includes 13 textures (Dress, heels, C-string), all 100% Original Textures.  Inga is sized for Legacy + Perky, Maitreya, GenX Classic + Curvy, Kupra, & Reborn, & is EXCLUSIVELY at the Summer Edition of the UniK Event, open July 7th – Sept 2nd.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Mocha
  • Hair:  Doux – Toxic
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Heron – Pamela BOM Eyeshadow;  Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1; Chinoca Store – Raven Lipstick
  • Nails:  Miumiu – #38
  • Jewelry:  Real Evil Industries – LUX Nia Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Secret Poses – Phoebe

Purple Hearts

http://Purple Hearts

Puts “wearing your heart on your sleeve” in a whole new light lol (which is what I wanted to title it, but somehow it just didn’t make sense as a title lol)!  Seriously, I’m not one for a whole lot of hearts, but when used as a glorious accent, I’m a goner.  And Valentine’s Day may be over (thankfully!!!), but love goes on.  And let’s face it… cute is cute, and sexy is sexy, and when they’re combined, well, the result is just irresistible!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Soriee Dress.  How can you resist such sexy simplicity?  A high-necked sleeveless mini-knit dress with optional sleeves, kick-ass heels with a big bow on the toe, a matching C-string, all in fabulous textures.  Complete sets are available in 10 individual colors or in a HUD-driven Fatback that includes 15 textures for the Dress, 15 for the Sleeves, 12 for the heels (plus 10 for the bows!) 12 for the matching C-string, all 100% Original Textures that include a heart pattern you can use all over or just on the dress or on the sleeves (sooo cute!!!).  She’s sized for Legacy + Perky, Maitreya + Petite, GenX Classic + Curvy, & Reborn, & is EXCLUSIVELY at the premiere round of the Mean Girls Event, open Feb 1st – 23rd.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  Doux – Graceful
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Sequoia – Anabella BOM Eyeshadow; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol. 1; Temizi – Laycan Lipstick
  • Nails:  Miumiu – #38
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – True Hearts Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Amitie – Vanity Poses, currently @ Equal10

A Glass of Wine in Her Hand

http://A glass of wine in her hand

For some reason, these lyrics (from Satisfaction by the Stones) are stuck in my head, though obviously the song has no connection to the pic (although I AM hoping to make a connection, it’s not the same type at all).  Be that as it may, I’m using it lol because titling these posts is sometimes as time-consuming as editing them, and I’m anxious to go check out ALL the weekend sales & ongoing events.  (I’m actually sitting here drinking coffee IRL, not wine, but I live in a different time zone than my avatar).  Not much to say today; on to the details!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Frankie Jacket Outfit.  I do love jackets & boots in the early spring when you no longer need that heavy coat but there’s still that chill in the air!  When it combines fabulous textures & styling like this, not to mention the way the plaid of the skirt is echoed on the bootstrap, well, it’s a pretty easy decision what I’m going to wear!  Choosing the color now, that’s a different story!  Complete sets are available in 12 individual colors or in a HUD-driven Fatback that includes all 12 color options (Boots, Dress, Jacket, & Panties) plus 4 Boot Metal choices plus 4 Boot Zipper choices, all 100% Original Textures.  She’s sized for Legacy + Perky, Maitreya, Reborn & Erika, & is EXCLUSIVELY at the Sense Event, which ends TODAY (eek!!!), Jan 28th (then it will be at the main store).  Demo available.
  • Bar Set:  Dreamland Designs – Industrial Bar Table Set.  LOVE this set, it not only looks fabulous, it also includes some awesome bento animations with speed control/sequences/props for food & wine (as shown, I’m using one of the anims) for both singles & couples (it’s available in PG & Adult). NEW & EXCLUSIVE, this set is available as part of the SECRET SALE this weekend Jan 28th – 30th.
  • Cabinet:  Dreamland Designs – Industrial Country Cupboard Set.  Beautiful detail & textures in this set that includes the cupboard, basket of fresh fruit, & the mirror (because of my room setup, I moved the mirror to the far side, which also shows how versatile this is no matter how much space you have).  Row of glasses not included.  See the ad below.  NEW & EXCLUSIVE, this set is available as part of the SECRET SALE this weekend Jan 28th – 30th.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Clarity
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Chinoca Store – Raven LS
  • Nails:  Miumiu – #38
  • Tattoo:  CAROL G – Peonies Leg Tattoo
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Chianna Jewelry Set in Burning Embers;  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band